LA Kings: Mid-season organization’s prospect rankings 10-6

Rasmus Kupari – 20 y/o – C – 2018 Round 1 #20 overall

AHL – Ontario Reign -11GP-3G-9A-12P

If not for a season-ending injury during the 2020 WJC, Rasmus Kupari was well on his way to making a potential NHL debut with the Kings later that year.  Unfortunately, losing a year in development for a player like Kupari can be detrimental. However, Kupari has bounced back and looks to be very much the player he was prior to the severe injury.

Kupari’s speed has always been his best quality. Players always seem to be a step behind the young Finn, and that speed helps him create enough space for Rasmus to utilize his playmaking ability to set up his linemates.

HockeyProspecting.com Player Comparison

Kupari’s comeback season has been off to a great start. Playing for the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, he has shown great chemistry with fellow Kings’ prospects Tyler Madden and Arthur Kaliyev, scoring at just over a point per game. Kings management took notice of Kupari’s great play and rewarded the young center with a call up to the big club.

During his three-game callup, Kupari looked a bit timid on the ice, hesitating with the puck on his stick. With the number of centers currently in the Kings system, it will be interesting to see what they do with Kupari.

I believe a move to the wing would be beneficial for the smooth-skating forward and give him the freedom and opportunity to use his speed more to his advantage without having to worry about the defensive responsibilities given to the center position.